2003 TOYOTA CENTURY V12

This Toyota Century is a rare Japanese luxury car, presented in a lesser-seen factory hue and with relatively low mileage. Under the bonnet, the 5.0-litre V12 produces up to 276bhp, and drives the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. The odometer displays 89,300km.

First introduced in 1997 and in production until early 2017, the second-generation ‘G50’ Toyota Century was the first and only front-engine, rear wheel drive Japanese car to feature a V12, with both its predecessor and successor being fitted with V8s of varying capacities.

While it was more common for cars to be imported from Japan, this right-hand drive Century was supplied new by a Hong Kong-based Toyota dealer, and was specified in the rare factory hue of Green Mica with a grey leather interior, rather than the standard wool cloth seen in many other examples. Remaining in very smart condition both inside and out, it was acquired by the seller around 18 months ago.

Today, this Century’s bodywork remains in great shape, with no evidence of any accident damage and with consistent shut lines around the car. The dark Green Mica paintwork also presents handsomely, and while there is a scratch on the rear passenger-side door, the finish has a smooth and glossy appearance, having been polished and covered in a protective coating in February 2021.

The chrome trim which runs along the bottoms of the doors and around the wheel arches has been polished to a high shine, and the bumpers are in great shape, with the rear item having been re-chromed during the seller’s ownership. Furthermore, the light lenses are bright and free of any chips or cracks, and the glass is also in good order.

It rides on a set of 16-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, which are in very good condition. All four were refurbished in December 2020, and are fitted with spacers to better fill the wheel arches.

Eschewing the more common wool cloth, this example was specially ordered with dark grey leather covering most the seats, dashboard, door cards and steering wheel. The upholstery wears its age well, with few visible blemishes or marks to speak of; save for some very minor creasing on the driver’s seat’s bolsters. Glossy burr walnut veneers appear throughout the interior, and are in excellent condition; while the car’s plush grey carpets are protected by a set of patterned floor mats.

Given its luxury car status, it should come as little surprise that this Toyota Century is particularly well-appointed, with factory-fitted equipment including heated and electrically adjustable front and rear seats with massage function, climate control, a TV for the rear passengers, satellite navigation and cruise control. Though there are scratches on both the front and rear screens, they function as they should, with the same being the case for the rest of the car’s buttons, switches and electrical items, and there are no warning lights displayed on the dashboard.

With low indicated mileage, this Century is believed to be in good mechanical health. Its battery was replaced in February 2021, and during the seller’s ownership its water temperature sensor, power door locks, light-control computer, and rear window seal have been replaced. A reversing camera was also added to make manoeuvring this limousine a slightly less daunting task.

The car’s last roadworthiness check was carried out in January 2021, and no faults were found. All four wheels are shod in Michelin Primacy 3ST tyres, which were fitted in 2019 and remain in good condition.

This Century will be accompanied by documentation of its service history, its original tool kit and its registration documents.

Favoured by titans of industry, dignitaries and political figures alike, the Toyota Century is famed for its outstanding build quality, sublime road manners and impressive levels of comfort. Finished in a smart factory paint colour and with the rarer leather interior, this Hong Kong-market example is presented in impressive overall condition, and will make the perfect mobile office. Its next owner can choose to be chauffeured in style or can take the wheel and experience its smooth 5.0-litre V12 for themselves.

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